Choosing a Primary School in Singapore

For many Singaporean parents, choosing a Primary school marks the beginning of the period of a very different kind of stress that they have been used to since their children were new-borns. No longer are their children allowed to continue living the carefree and unchallenged lives they have been enjoying. Now they will be entering the system to be processed and measured against other children in their cohort.

While parents had full control over the choice of their children’s pre-school education, deciding on which child care or kindergarten their children should be attending, switching them to new ones with impunity, the tables are now turned. The selection of a suitable Primary school can be a highly involved and frustrating activity.

The frustration stems, in no small part, from the almost complete lack of an official data source that allows parents to compare the performance of schools from various angles. The conventional wisdom is that by not ranking the schools, parents would not be able to compare and will simply go for the schools nearest to their homes. However, it is also true that the nearest schools may not necessarily be the most suitable for their children. Some schools are strong academically, others in sports, or in character development or the arts. Not all parents want to send their children to top schools, which are invariably more stressful than some other schools, and also difficult for their children to do well relative to others in the classes, thereby making their children lose self-esteem even if their standards would rank them top of classes in the less academically-established schools.

The fact is, while there is no such thing as a bad Primary school in Singapore, not all Primary schools are “born” equal, and some are definitely head and shoulders above others in various aspects. Granted that it is difficult to compare Primary schools as a whole, most parents generally would want to know the relative strength of the schools in terms of:

academic excellence

athletic excellence

richness of aesthetics programmes

character development

At the same time, parents’ decisions are tempered by the constraints imposed by the system to manage the scarce “premium primary school” resources. The over-riding principle is to give priority to children who live in the vicinity of the schools. This is a very rational measure taken by the education authorities – the only caveat being that in practice, the system becomes highly complex and difficult to understand to most new parents.

In general, the best advice we can give to parents is to prioritize their selection based on the following 2 key rules:

Choose schools where parents were ex-students, or where siblings are currently or have been studying in. Unless the school is too out of the way, this is the best choice that parents can make if they want a hassle and stress-free registration process.

Choose the best school that is less than 1km away from where the child is staying. This gives you the best chance of getting into the school. At the same time, the child will spend less time travelling, which translates to more time for doing more constructive things than sing songs or fight on the schoolbuses.

Application of the above 2 rules will ensure that parents have the BEST chance of getting into the school. Oftentimes, however, parents may be unable to do so for various reasons. In such cases, it is then necessary to choose the best school nearest to the child using other methods.

Some issues to consider:

Types of schools

You should start by getting some understanding of the different types of schools:

Level of Autonomy

Government schools

These are schools that are fully funded by the Singapore government. They follow strictly all the rules and guidelines dictated by the Ministry of Education (MOE).

Government-aided schools

These are schools which has a significant part of their funds coming from the Singapore government. These funds are supplemented from other private sources such as fund-raising activities. Many of these schools form part of a group of schools that cover from Primary up to Junior College and even tertiary education. Such schools maintain a certain level of autonomy over how they operate. For example, they can choose to offer class sizes that are different from that recommended by MOE. Some parents prefer these schools because of their flexibility and affiliation to a certain brand of education.

Secondary School Affiliation

Some schools are closely related with specific secondary schools which give preferential admission criteria for gradulating PSLE students to enter the secondary schools. This is highly desirable for parents since their children will be more or less warranted a place in a good secondary school as long as they perform reasonably well in PSLE.

There are a handful of integrated schools where the same principal runs both the Primary and Secondary schools within the same compound. Such schools are also known as Full Schools.

Religious affiliation

There are schools that have been aligned with specific faiths and beliefs. These are generally schools with a very long history and follow the faith of the founders. Parents like these schools as they offer additional religious lessons to their children catering to their faith. It is also believed that these schools provide very good moral and chacter-building education.

Regardless, all religious schools are required to practice religious tolerance and students can be exempted from religious lessons according to the wishes of their parents.

It should be noted that most religious schools for Catholic, Methodist, and Buddhism faiths offer priority registration for Primary 1 students who are from related Churches or Temples. Parents are allowed to register their children under Phase 2B.

Mother Tongue focus

Certain schools focus on creating strong cultural bonds between students and their mother-tongue language (MTL) which can be Chinese, Malay, or Tamil. In particular, Special Assisted Plan (SAP) primary schools offer Higher Chinese from Primary 1. Higher Mother Tongue (HMT) is usually offered to capable students after Primary 4 in most other schools. So effectively, in SAP schools, both English and Chinese are offered as 1st Languages. The idea is to promote Chinese and its culture to students from a very young age.

Chinese is offered by all Primary schools

Malay is offered by all EXCEPT the SAP schools

Tamil is offered by most schools

Single sex vs mixed (co-ed) schools

Some parents prefer single sex schools so that students can be treated uniformly across the entire school. Some believe that single-sex schools allow their children to focus and excel in their studies.

Mixed schools have the advantage if parents have both male and female children. They allow parents to just go through the Primary 1 registration hassle just once instead of twice for their children, since both brothers and sisters can attend the same school.

Single vs dual sessions

Most primary schools are dual sessions where P1-P2 classes are held in one session and P3-P6 in the other, but quite a number of government-aided schools have converted to single session attended by all levels of the Primary school.

It is believed that single session schools allow for a more wholistic education experience and bonding with the school, since children get to spend more time in school. Regardless, single session schools start at 7:30am in the morning while dual session schools allow for school to start at 12:30pm for afternoon sessions. In general, P1-P2 classes usually start in the afternoon sessions, and P3-P6 classes start in the morning.

It is MOE’s goal that all Primary schools will eventually be single sessions. To realize this goal, MOE has converted most Government schools to “partial single session” where only P1-P2 classes operate in the afternoons, so that the spare school facilities can be used for CCA activities for P3-P6 students in the afternoon. In this context, “double/dual sessions” normally means “partial single sessions”.

Schools that support children with special needs

These schools have Special Needs Officers that can assist children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or dyslexia integrate into the school environment.

MoE evaluates and recognises schools for their efforts in improving themselves in terms of management and/or teaching techniques and processes. This comes in the forms of various awards.

Your child’s interests

What is the “best” school for your child? At the age of 6, you should probably have some idea about the capabilities and interests of your child. Some children are good at sports, some at art, and there are always those that are naturally curious about science and IT. You should choose to focus on growing these talents, since your child is likely to do best in something that is of interest to him/her.

The MOE actively encourages schools to specialize in various non-curricular programmes that go beyond learning in the classroom, by providing financial grants through schemes such as the Programme for School-Based Excellence (PSE). Schools have used these grants to hire and train staff to build up their niches in:

sports such as swimming, rugby, hockey

arts, performing arts such as dance, choir

aesthetics such as music, calligraphy, cultural training

intellectual development such as chess, math olympiad

character development such as outdoor rugged activities

infocomm such as robotics, multimedia

new teaching approaches and pedagogies such as human dynamics

You should do research on the schools near you to understand what additional programmes they provide to enrich the lives of their students, and decide if those match the needs of your child.

School rankings:

KiasuParents.com have come up with a few means of ranking schools to help parents make more informed choices. While the data is derived from public information available from the Ministry of Education, these rankings are by no means authorized by MOE. These rankings are not meant to be definitive, and should be seen only as an indicative measure of how good the school has been, historically. KiasuParents.com lay no claim that the data presented here is either accurate or definitive. Use them at your own discretion!

comprehensive work done!

Info

Pei Hwa Prebysterian Primary

can anyone help me by providing me with a sample of the CV that Pei Hwa needs as a parent volunteer?
Thanks

rokiepieTue, 03/05/2016 3:52pm

I find this article very

I find this article very helpful!!

Future AcademyFri, 29/04/2016 12:27am

Seriously reading with every

Seriously reading with every single detail of this post. Thanks!

k_maldonadoThu, 21/04/2016 10:04am

Choosing a Primary School in Singapore

v informative. excellent

tedirobinSat, 16/04/2016 2:13pm

Phase 2B failed, what is next?

If Phase 2B (SC) of School A failed, even balloting failed, will be moved to Phase 2C of the same school automatically? If phase 2C also failed?

Are we in time to go to another school B as Phase 2C (SC)?Is all these done on the same day?

Thanks!!

Defy ageThu, 14/04/2016 11:57am

Excellent!

Indeed a comprehensive research work done =)

Thank you!

funreadclass@hotmail.comFri, 26/02/2016 6:15pm

Thank you for sharing

Very informative and comprehensive indeed!

MSAS2013Sat, 20/02/2016 5:08pm

primary

it is difficutlt now

Hanwen Chinese EducationFri, 29/01/2016 6:47pm

Useful and detailed information

thanks for sharing this Article. It has been useful for me in helping me with the decision for my DD’s school

towkneeTue, 19/01/2016 11:52am

gd info

well written

tedirobinFri, 25/12/2015 11:20pm

Great Information here! Thank

Great Information here! Thank you for sharing! 🙂

Des TanFri, 04/12/2015 3:38pm

great info!

detailed writeup

SmartLabThu, 05/11/2015 8:22pm

Schools are equal

I believe that most of the schools are equal other than those in the elites. But in general, the education quality should be the same

evilsterMon, 19/10/2015 12:42am

nice

good elaboration

mrgohSun, 11/10/2015 4:23pm

Detailed info

Good reading for parents with children entering Pri Sch soon!

Ms_LohThu, 08/10/2015 2:35pm

RGPS Phase 2A1

Does anyone know whether ex-RGPS girls have to register as alumni in order to qualify for Phase 2A1 enrolment?

catalysttuitionTue, 15/09/2015 6:01pm

advice

I’m registering my son next year and i have a lot of emotions.. it’s an important decision, but i didn’t choose a school yet. any suggestions? i’ve read some advice here http://blog.rcaieftina.com but can you check it and then give me advice?

thank you!

Mary LouisMon, 10/08/2015 5:01pm

tks for sharing

tks for sharing

jk6288Wed, 05/08/2015 12:57pm

Great Information here! Thank

Great Information here! Thank you for sharing! 🙂

easypeanutsWed, 03/06/2015 3:29pm

help info

great!

jk6288Wed, 04/03/2015 12:15am

Lots of info here

Lots of info here

ktkcheongTue, 27/01/2015 10:03pm

Nice

really thorough explanations! thanks!

mathtutor11Mon, 19/01/2015 8:51pm

SAP is one of condition and young population around school is an

another criterial to choose a school, the ballot is not easy to get, look for school with higher rate first.

jpeWed, 17/12/2014 8:36pm

great

great

aceurmathsSun, 09/11/2014 9:12pm

rulang primary school

I’m registering my son this year. So hopefully he can get into this school under phrase 2c … so stress!!!!

eyvierlanFri, 27/06/2014 2:14pm

choosing a primary school

I think that if the moe really believes that every school is a good school, they should even do away with with phase 1,2 and whatever. Only kids living within 1-2 km are allowed to enrol in that school. If you move, your kid has to change schools. This is done in many countries.

PV? isn't that like slavery or corruption?

Admitting through religious affiliation? isn't that discriminating?

AnE's momThu, 21/02/2013 5:13pm

@preetika

hi

Applicants are restricted to one school for each phase.

When we register at the school, the staff will key in our application into the central system. What MOE is doing under the so-called "internet registration" is merely opening up the same system for self-service entry.

tankeeMon, 23/07/2012 9:47pm

Primary 1 Regn advice

Hi,

This year since there is Internet registration system for primary 1, Can I register via Internet in one school and then manually in other school or is the registration restricted to one school only.

Thanks

Preetika

preetikaMon, 23/07/2012 5:49pm

Need Advice

My son will be going to primary one next year. I am starting to worry about the arrangement as there is nobody to take care of him if school start in afternoon. Both myself and my hubby work late. Can any parent advise on how are their arrangement? Thank.

dadimumiFri, 27/01/2012 4:46pm

which school to choose from??

Can anyone advise me on Xinghua, montford and Zhanghua pri school? Which one has a better environment for children?

Worry parentThu, 13/01/2011 3:32pm

Is it rivervale primary school, good?

This registration is

This registration is causing so much stress…i am enrolling my son under Phase 2C next Monday..my house is not within any 1 or 2km from any schools….staying at Tampines, any good advice which school to register…dread the idea of balloting…..

Thanks..

beautifultaitaiFri, 30/07/2010 4:00pm

Evergreen Primary School

Anyone know about this school?Is it good?

WintergalWed, 21/07/2010 11:24am

Nan Chaiu under phase 2C within 1km

Hi tankee,

Tks for yr reply..it really help

tlkkleeTue, 20/07/2010 2:04pm

Nan Chaiu under Phase 2C within 1km

hi tlkkleeBased on past years’ statistics and if the thrend continues, and since the take up rate this year is already 57%, my guess is that the odds would be about 1 out 3.You can see the past years’ registration statistics herehttp://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/content/seng-kang
Happy 45th Birthday ! Singapore !!

tankeeTue, 20/07/2010 1:32pm

what are the chances of

what are the chances of getting into Nan Chaiu under Phase 2C within 1km ?

tlkkleeTue, 20/07/2010 1:19pm

Is it better to choose an affiliated school?

Depends. Some think that it’s a good idea since their child doesn’t need to do very well in the PSLE to get into the school.

But look at it this way…if your child can only get into the affiliated school because of the "discount", wouldn’t he/she have a hard time trying to catch up to those who got in with truly good results?

BigDevilWed, 14/07/2010 5:06pm

Is it better to choose an affiliated school?

Heard from relatives and friends saying it will be good if you enrol your kid in school that have affiliation. is it true? Most of the top school dun have affiliation.

Snow WhiteWed, 14/07/2010 4:34pm

My sister lives in

My sister lives in Singapore & she is searching a primary school for his daughter. She is very confused about how to search a good school for her.She has a govt job & so has little time fo rher daughter. I showed him your site & she now found good school by following the tips given by you. thanks a lot.

spsdel01Sat, 10/07/2010 5:44pm

Primary school

I understand where you are coming from. Education isn’t fun now, in fact it’s very stressful.

I have a son in Pei Hwa (P4). My younger one is in K2 and she is due for P1 registration next month. We stay within 1km of Pei Hwa (walking distance). With my first child, hubby & I do not know what to expect. When we registered son for P1, all we know is Pei Hwa is a SAP school. With our younger daughter, we decided to put her in CHIJ TP (where I came from).

Many people threw ‘WHYs’ when we decided to do that. Like what you mentioned, we want her to enjoy the education process and not at a fast paced school like Pei Hwa. Higher Chinese is not an issue bcos girls tend to be better in languages. Son is an average child and we are struggling with the competitiveness and pressure from the school. The fortunate thing is I am a full time homemaker.

We plan to apply what we have learnt with our daughter next year. Hope my little advice is of help to you.

janet_lee88Sun, 27/06/2010 10:45am

Consider this

In choosing a school, it is very important that we consider the religious matter. For me, this will determine if a child will be having a good values in school. Religion is number one factor in choosing a school.

Thanks for the list, it is helpful for parents and children.

chloeyMon, 08/03/2010 4:43pm

Torn between Rule#1 & #2

I’m from Henry Park Primary and I’m now residing in Woodlands Crescent area. Do I enroll my daughters in my old school, or go for Phase2C ballot at Admiralty Primary (<1km)?

Distance wise isn’t really an issue as my wife is a homemaker and can probably ferry her to & fro. I’m just worried that putting her in a ‘top’ school with many rich kids will create a very stressful and too competitive enviroment for her.

I want her (and her sister later) to firstly enjoy the education process. Academic result is secondary.

Any good advice is very much appreciated.

goffer72Fri, 04/12/2009 3:14pm

MGS Stats

You can find out the statistics for MGS 2C and other phases in the web or just call the school to ask. Thisyear there was balloting within 1km and also in 2007. I predict this will continue as more and more families move within the 1km radius. The ratio is around 40 applicants vying for 33-38 places.

workingmomWed, 21/10/2009 1:59pm

MGS Ballot Ratio

What are the chances of getting into MGS under Phase 2C (within 1 km)?

anovaMon, 19/10/2009 11:28am

Clarifications on Phase 2C qualification

We are planning to move home away from the primary school of our choice after my child has been successfully registered into P1. When does P1 registration begins for MGS? When can we move away from MGS? How long must we be staying within 1 or 2km of MGS in order to qualify?